MiR-376a-3p alleviates the development of glioma through negatively regulating KLF15

MiR-376a-3p increases cell apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia by targeting MT1X

Metallothioneins (MTs) are a group of low-molecular weight cysteine-rich proteins that play vital roles in oxidative stress, metal homeostasis, carcinogenesis and drug resistance. However, few studies have analyzed the roles of MTs in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this study, we revealed that the expression of metallothionein1X (MT1X), a main isoform of MTs, was highly expressed and acted as a candidate of prognostic indicator in AML patients. In vitro cell function experiments verified that silencing MT1X inhibited the proliferation of AML cells, sensitized cells to doxorubicin, and increased their apoptosis. We also showed that the downregulation of MT1X expression suppressed nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling by reducing p65, p-IκB-α, and downstream effectors. Elevated p65 and MT1X levels were indicators in AML. Moreover, we revealed that miR-376a-3p had binding sites with 3'-UTR of MT1X, suggesting that MT1X was negatively regulated by miR-376a-3p. Cell functional assay results indicated that miR-376a-3p overexpression significantly inhibited the proliferation, arrested the AML cells in the G0/G1 phase and induced cell apoptosis. The rescue experiments further confirmed that miR-376a-3p could reverse the promotion of MT1X overexpression on the progress of AML cells. Taken together, our results revealed that elevated MT1X expression might be involved in the mechanism underlying AML progression, indicating that the miR-376a/MT1X axis might serve as a promising novel target for the effective treatment of patients with AML.

Allicin Inhibits Osteosarcoma Growth by Promoting Oxidative Stress and Autophagy via the Inactivation of the lncRNA MALAT1-miR-376a-Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

Allicin, an organic sulfur compound extracted from the bulb of Allium sativum, can potentially prevent various tumors. Our previous study found that allicin can effectively suppress the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells. However, the molecular mechanisms have not been illustrated. In this study, Saos-2 and U2OS osteosarcoma cells were used to investigate the underlying mechanisms. A series of experiments were carried out to authenticate the anticancer property of allicin. Knockdown of lncRNA MALAT1 inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration and promoted apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells. Knockdown of miR-376a increased the proliferation, invasion, and migration and dropped apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells. Furthermore, knockdown of miR-376a reversed the influences of MALAT1 silencing in osteosarcoma cells. Based on our data, MALAT1 could downregulate the expression of miR-376a, subsequently accelerating osteosarcoma. Moreover, oxidative stress and autophagy were identified as the potential key pathway of allicin. Allicin inhibited osteosarcoma growth and promoted oxidative stress and autophagy via MALATI-miR-376a. We also found that allicin promotes oxidative stress and autophagy to inhibit osteosarcoma growth by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in vivo and in vitro. All data showed that allicin promotes oxidative stress and autophagy of osteosarcoma via the MALATI-miR-376a-Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Non-coding RNAs and glioblastoma: Insight into their roles in metastasis

Glioma, also known as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is the most prevalent and most lethal primary brain tumor in adults. Gliomas are highly invasive tumors with the highest death rate among all primary brain malignancies. Metastasis occurs as the tumor cells spread from the site of origin to another site in the brain. Metastasis is a multifactorial process, which depends on alterations in metabolism, genetic mutations, and the cancer microenvironment. During recent years, the scientific study of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) has led to new insight into the molecular mechanisms involved in glioma. Many studies have reported that ncRNAs play major roles in many biological procedures connected with the development and progression of glioma. Long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) are all types of ncRNAs, which are commonly dysregulated in GBM. Dysregulation of ncRNAs can facilitate the invasion and metastasis of glioma. The present review highlights some ncRNAs that have been associated with metastasis in GBM. miRNAs, circRNAs, and lncRNAs are discussed in detail with respect to their relevant signaling pathways involved in metastasis.